Mooy can handle the heat

There's a quiet confidence that radiates from Aaron Mooy and the softly-spoken Socceroo believes he has the tools to step up when required.

This Hyundai A-League season has seen Aaron Mooy shine brightly, and now the Wanderers star is set to step up for his country as the Socceroos try to qualify for the East Asian Cup.

It used to be that coming home to Australia hindered a player-s chances of making the national team but Mooy-s form since returning to the domestic league has shown how that is changing.

His rise from occasional bench man at St. Mirren in Scotland to first team star at Wanderers FC has been nothing short of amazing, and his form got him noticed by the national coach, leaving Mooy certain he made the right move.

“Coming home has gone pretty well, I-m enjoying my time and loving training every day and I-m happy with my football,” Mooy said.

“When I was in Scotland I wasn-t playing regularly and now I am home I am, which has helped my chances.”

While plenty of fans have been clamouring to see him in the green and gold of the national team, Mooy admits despite his form, it-s far from a given that Holger Osieck will hand him a start as the Socceroos chase East Asian Cup qualification.

“Training has been really good. I have enjoyed every minute of it so far and I can-t wait to go to Hong Kong, being with the Socceroos - it-s a dream come true, but I-ve still got to get on the pitch yet,” he said.

With representing your country comes more pressure, but Mooy is confident he can handle it when it comes.

These days there seems to be a confidence that comes with youth and he is looking to impress in a similar way to the likes of Tom Rogic and Eli Babalj when he gets on the pitch, as part of the changing face of the national team.

“It-s great that the other young guys did really well when they got their opportunity, hopefully I get a chance.”

It-s likely he will at some point and the vision and passing he can bring to the team will likely help speedy front man Archie Thompson, which could be a combination other sides will need to look out for.